A Wellington doctor pioneering ground breaking medical procedures, a former homeless man helping disadvantaged Christchurch teens, a Hamilton volunteer and a tiny Southland community turning their town around are part of a prestigious national awards lineup.

In all, 58 semifinalists have been announced for the 2013 New Zealander of the Year Awards.

The list of semifinalists will be further cut down next month to three finalists in each of the five award categories.

The overall winners will be announced at a gala event in February.

The prestigious Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year is awarded to someone who has made a major contribution to the nation, outstanding service to the country and inspiration through achievement. Semi-finalists include: Professor Charles Daugherty, Kim Workman, Professor Swee T Tan, Bill Buckley, Hinewehi Mohi, Dame Anne Salmond, David Irving and Jeanette Richardson.

The Countdown Senior New Zealander of the Year celebrates ongoing achievement for those aged 60 and over who have made a major difference to New Zealand. Semi-finalists include: Kieth Beck, Julie and Roy Bartlett, Ian Grant, Marcia Read, Gary Daverne, Thilliar Varnakulasingham, Sister Felix Breen and Garth McVicar.

Coca-Cola Amatil Young New Zealander of the Year marks 15 to 30 year olds making a positive impact on the nation. Semi-finalists include Assil Russell, Damyon New, Sophie Pascoe, Victoria Taylor, Lydia Ko, Sam Judd, Jordon Taylor, Shruthi Vigayakumar, William Zhang and Sam Shore.

Mitre 10 Community of the Year acknowledges groups working together up and down the country to build stronger communities. Semi-finalists include UN Youth New Zealand, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust NZ, The Hawea Community Association, the Mataura Community, the Hokitika Community and the Kaikoura Seafest, Uawa - Tolaga Bay, the Hawkes Leaders Group, Eketahuna Our Town and the Patea Youth Trust.

Kiwibank Local Heroes Award recognises everyday people doing extraordinary things in their local communities. The semi-finalists include Jade Temepara of Ashburton, Paul Hughes of Halcombe, Des Smith of Wellington, Kaila Colblin of Christchurch , Scott Gilmour of Auckland, Paddy Henderson of Rangiora and Jim Morunga of Napier, Jim Dowman of Tauranga, Douglas Cooper of Gisborne and Vivien Leonard of Paeroa.